3 takeaways from Michigan basketball’s win over Stanford

After trailing 23-9 not even midway through the first, the Wolverines gathered themselves and rallied for a win in the consolation bracket in Atlantis.

Stanford appeared like they were gonna sprint away with it in the first 10 minutes or so because they couldn’t miss. Michigan basketball recovered to retake the lead by halftime though.

Thanks to a 22-2 run in the second, Michigan was able to record a much-needed win over a power five opponent. Stanford outscored the Wolverines 8-0 to begin things past the break, before Michigan basketball made its move. The Cardinal got down by 13 and somehow climbed their way back to tie it before faltering late.

Here are three takeaways.

1. It was a seesaw affair for 40 minutes

Stanford came out raining threes to jump out to a big lead, but Michigan basketball wasn’t rattled. When Stanford got up by 14, the maize and blue answered with a 21-5 spurt to regain the lead at 30-28. It was their first since it was 2-0. Michigan went into the locker room up by one, as they shot 66% from the field.

Michael Jones scored the opening eight points in a minute and a half to put Stanford up seven. The Wolverines responded with that aforementioned 22-2 run to go up by 13 with 10 minutes to play, including three breakaway steals for dunks. Then it was the Cardinal’s turn to respond. A 15-5 advantage on the scoreboard tied it up at 72 a piece with under five to go.

Michigan made seven straight points after that to close the door once and for all. Terrance Williams made his free throws and finished with 17. He also went four of five from beyond the arc. The Cardinal canned 12 triples, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory on Thanksgiving night in paradise.